They will also fulfill their obligations as set forth in the international declarations and agreements in this field including inter alia the International Convenants on Human Rights. by which they may be bound." One of the many principles laid down in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was that "everyone has the right to leave any country. including his own. and to return to his country." Following the signing of this document. Leonid Brezhnev urged that the principles of Helsinki be "put to practical use and made a law of international life not to be breached by anyone." He also said that: "We note with deep satisfaction that . . . these principles are imbued with respect and care for man. so that he can live in peace and look forward to the future with confidence." And yet. during the intervening period. the Soviet Union has made a mockery of the Helsinki proceedings. In 1975. 13.221 Jews were allowed to emigrate. This rose to a level of 51.320 in 1979. However. since then. that level has been steadily reduced to a level of 9.447 in 1981. 2.688 in 1982. and 1.314 in 1983. Whats more. in the first 3 months of this year. only 229 Jews have been allowed to emigrate from the Soviet Union. In truth. the Soviet Union is a "Prison of Peoples". and the captor of each individual who would come under its sway. It is. in short. the enemy of the eternal basis of the spiritfreedom.
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emigrate